Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
FEATURE: A Journey of Bright Lights to Big Screens
October 15, 2020 | Football, HailStateBEAT
JaVonta Payton dreams of starring in the NFL and on the Big Screen
STARKVILLE – From making highlight plays under the bright lights of Davis Wade Stadium to performing on the big screens in Hollywood, Mississippi State wide receiver JaVonta Payton has big plans for his future.
Payton does not shy away from the lofty aspirations of his two dreams in life: play in the NFL and become a movie star.
"Growing up as a kid, my goal has always been to play in the NFL," Payton said. "Right now, I am just trying to give my all and give my best to show everybody what I can do. But when I finish football, I really want to be an action star. I really like action movies. I also wouldn't mind being in a comedy, but action movies would be my dream because of the adrenaline and excitement."
No stranger to performing in front of crowds, Payton has played sports his entire life. A star on the gridiron, as well as the track, a future in the professional ranks went from dreams to possibilities as he went through grade school.
But when he was not playing sports, Payton took the stage with his acting skills. Growing up, JaVonta's mother, Tameka Payton, encouraged all of her children to perform in church and school plays. While this may seem like no significant achievement, opportunities presented themselves because of his talent.
"I actually got invited to a few Disney auditions," said Payton. "It had always been a dream of mine. When I was a little kid, I wanted to be on the Disney Channel. When we were growing up, my siblings and I used to always watch the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. We were really into a lot of stuff. Just seeing all of those young stars, that was probably the main thing that motivated me. When I was 15 years old and saw eight-year-olds going on Disney Channel to act and have fun, that really excited me."
JaVonta's inspiration of being in the limelight stems from his mother. Described as being the star of the show with her charisma and energy when she walks in a room, Payton has always wanted to be like his mom.
Because of his abilities as a versatile playmaker on the field, Payton's path to the big stage became a reality in high school as football programs from across the country began recruiting him. After a two-year stop at Northwest Mississippi Community College, he made his way to Mississippi State, where he's appeared in 16 games and earned four starts during the last two seasons.
Payton's time with the Bulldogs is proving beneficial for his future. As a senior in Mike Leach's air raid offense, he continues to improve his skillset and develop as a potential NFL prospect. In the classroom, he is working toward a communications degree that will prepare him for life after football, something of great importance to JaVonta.
"A lot of people don't know what they want to do coming out of college," said Payton. "Knowing what I want to do after football is important because I can start to get people in my corner that can help me fulfill that dream."
With goals of playing professional football to acting on the big screens, Payton's dream jobs are rooted in two of the most exclusive industries in the world. But as he gets closer to earning a shot at the NFL through his hard work and dedication, he views it as also getting closer to the possibility of becoming an action star in Hollywood.
"If I can fulfill my dream of going to the league and then potentially be in shows and movies, the sky would be the limit," said Payton. "That would make me want to do even more and make me want to help people. If I do get that chance, I am definitely going to be excited, but I am going to keep pushing my dreams further and help other people do the same thing."
Payton does not shy away from the lofty aspirations of his two dreams in life: play in the NFL and become a movie star.
"Growing up as a kid, my goal has always been to play in the NFL," Payton said. "Right now, I am just trying to give my all and give my best to show everybody what I can do. But when I finish football, I really want to be an action star. I really like action movies. I also wouldn't mind being in a comedy, but action movies would be my dream because of the adrenaline and excitement."
No stranger to performing in front of crowds, Payton has played sports his entire life. A star on the gridiron, as well as the track, a future in the professional ranks went from dreams to possibilities as he went through grade school.
But when he was not playing sports, Payton took the stage with his acting skills. Growing up, JaVonta's mother, Tameka Payton, encouraged all of her children to perform in church and school plays. While this may seem like no significant achievement, opportunities presented themselves because of his talent.
"I actually got invited to a few Disney auditions," said Payton. "It had always been a dream of mine. When I was a little kid, I wanted to be on the Disney Channel. When we were growing up, my siblings and I used to always watch the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. We were really into a lot of stuff. Just seeing all of those young stars, that was probably the main thing that motivated me. When I was 15 years old and saw eight-year-olds going on Disney Channel to act and have fun, that really excited me."
JaVonta's inspiration of being in the limelight stems from his mother. Described as being the star of the show with her charisma and energy when she walks in a room, Payton has always wanted to be like his mom.
Because of his abilities as a versatile playmaker on the field, Payton's path to the big stage became a reality in high school as football programs from across the country began recruiting him. After a two-year stop at Northwest Mississippi Community College, he made his way to Mississippi State, where he's appeared in 16 games and earned four starts during the last two seasons.
Payton's time with the Bulldogs is proving beneficial for his future. As a senior in Mike Leach's air raid offense, he continues to improve his skillset and develop as a potential NFL prospect. In the classroom, he is working toward a communications degree that will prepare him for life after football, something of great importance to JaVonta.
"A lot of people don't know what they want to do coming out of college," said Payton. "Knowing what I want to do after football is important because I can start to get people in my corner that can help me fulfill that dream."
With goals of playing professional football to acting on the big screens, Payton's dream jobs are rooted in two of the most exclusive industries in the world. But as he gets closer to earning a shot at the NFL through his hard work and dedication, he views it as also getting closer to the possibility of becoming an action star in Hollywood.
"If I can fulfill my dream of going to the league and then potentially be in shows and movies, the sky would be the limit," said Payton. "That would make me want to do even more and make me want to help people. If I do get that chance, I am definitely going to be excited, but I am going to keep pushing my dreams further and help other people do the same thing."
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